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A true Hardcore Hardtail, the new San Quentin from Marin ticks all the boxes for aggressive trail riding. Long, low and slack, a thoroughly modern and great value bike

Updated: 17th January 2019

Overview

Marin offers the San Quentin in three different builds. From entry-level to high-end, labelled simply as the 1, 2 and 3 Marin has created a thoroughly modern and exciting hardtail.
All models share the same frame, and all are complemented by Marin’s own finishing kit. It’s great to see that all models come with short stems and wide bars, lock on grips and simple and effective 1x drivetrains.
Taking the spirit of original San Quentin dirt jump bike from almost 10 years ago, Marin looked to their top tier Slopestyle athlete Matt Jones to help design the new San Quentin as an aggressive trail/enduro hardtail.

With 27.5 wheels, a slack 65° head angle, short chain stays and a good amount of reach, it’s still playful enough for jumping and general trail riding but this bike really shines on steep, technical descents and hammering through sections that really push what a modern hardtail is capable of.
Available in four frame sizes, Marin advises these should fit riders between 5’4″ and 6’2″.

*San Quentin 3 size L (19”) tested, with pedals

Frame

Every model uses a 6061 aluminium frame with the same geometry

Every model of the San Quentin gets the same 6061 Aluminum, Double Butted frame. With a slack 65° head angle that is usually seen on Enduro bikes, the San Quentin is a very capable descender. Climbing ability is not lost with a steep 75° seat angle keeping an efficient pedalling position while keeping weight far enough forward to keep the front wheel planted when climbing.
Reach is a little longer than the relatively long enduro and trail bikes are seen at the moment, with a 464mm reach on the large, increasing stability on the descents.

Internal routing for the shifter cable on the 2 and 3, along with internal routing for a dropper post on all models.
No shortcuts from Marin, with a boost rear axle, standard 73mm threaded bottom bracket, ISCG 05 chainguard mounts and bottle cage bosses.

Marin has always had plenty of hardtails and we had a blast riding the Nail Trail… but until now they’ve lacked a more aggro bike that’s suitable for gnarlier trails. The San Quentin seems to answer that one.– Wideopenmountainbike.com

Suspension

Bolt through axles on every model

With the switch to 35mm upper tubes, the RockShox Revelation RC is now in line with the Pike. And it’s just the shot in the arm it needed– Mbr.co.uk

All models benefit from the stiff and accurate addition of a 15mm bolt through axle, this is especially welcome on the entry-level model and rarely seen at this price point, with a 120mm SR Suntour XCM coil sprung fork with lockout and pre-load adjuster on the 1. Through 130mm Rock Shox Recon, up to a 130mm Rock Shox Revelation on the top line model shown here.

All forks run boost spacing and suit the build and cost of each model perfectly. Shorter travel forks like these will sit higher in their sag, therefore, preserving the slack head angle, they keep the bike feeling poppy and responsive over all kinds of terrain.

Groupset

1x drivetrains throughout the range

1x drivetrains are becoming increasingly popular and the norm for modern mountain bikes thanks to their low weight, reduced maintenance and lack of handlebar clutter– Bikeradar.com

1x drivetrains on all models with large range cassettes keep things bang up to date, using quality Sunrace cassettes Marin can do this while keeping the price lower. Hydraulic discs on all models with even the base model having a 180mm front rotor.
Shifters and mech are by Shimano alongside Marins own and FSA chainsets though the range.

The cockpit is by Marin and ticks all the boxes with short stems, wide bars throughout.
Although the entry-level model does not have a dropper post it is an easy upgrade to make.

Wheels

Wide wheels suit the aggressive nature of this bike

All bikes use Marin’s own tubeless-ready wheelsets, nice and wide rims on every model support the new breed of tyres designed for these wide setups, I’ve seen these raced at enduro’s here in Wales standing up perfectly to some harsh terrain and rolling fast with great quality bearings.

All bikes get rubber from Schwalbe, the top end model has these gorgeous 2.6 Magic Mary’s that are perfect for this type of bike.

The 27.5-inch wheels use Marin-branded, double-wall rims. With an internal rim width of 29mm – Singletracks.com

Best for

A Hardcore Hardtail to tackle anything you throw it into

A hardcore hardtail in the most modern sense, these bikes from Marin excel at Hardcore riding and racing, these bikes are perfect platforms for upgrading over time and as you progress as a rider. From car park jibbing to racing enduro’s the San Quentin is one of the most exciting bikes available right now.

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